MAXIM: A New Type of Human (Oddily Series #2) (4 page)

Ahhh, that is when you two talked and where he went when he disappeared. But Maxim has changed since that meeting, and I want to know why. Will you tell me what happened to him?

No, I will leave that up to Maxim.

Can you at least explain why you are here? I can’t seem to get an answer from you.

Nero wasn’t about to reveal to her the truth for his unlikely visit. He was only going to allow himself to stay a few minutes after he brought his traveling companion to the right timeline. At least, that was the plan until the unfortunate turn of events. Who was to know that in this remote part of the woods he would run into an irritating primitive female, along with his own daughter?

Nexa, where are you?

When Nero overheard Maxim contact Nexa, he listened in on their conversation to make sure she didn’t mention that he was there. In annoyance, Nexa turned her back to him.

Yes, I’m here with…Starla
.
I’m removing her from the property right now, and then I’ll be home
.

I don’t understand. Why can’t Maxim know you’re here?
Nexa turned around to confront her father, but ended up staring at the space where he had been standing.

Then she noticed Starla staggering to her feet. “
Wha
…what happened? What am I doing here…with you?”

“Oh crap!” Nexa moaned, and then smiled prettily.
“
Hello, Starla. Don’t look so scared. You won’t remember a thing.”

4

Maxim’s world was getting stranger by the minute, but Oddily dared not ask too many questions for fear he would change his mind, and return her to the Lodge. Or even worse—back to the custodian’s office at Forest Ridge High.

Oddily’s thoughts begged for her to run; but her heart didn’t agree, so she stayed by Maxim’s side while he led her to where he lived. There was only one question that continued to flood her mind. Where was the place that Maxim called home?

Slipping through a trap door hidden inside the Stafford Manor fireplace, descending a steep narrow stairwell leading to an underground roadway, and brought to a place like no other in the world—was not what she had anticipated.

“What is this place?” Oddily couldn’t maintain her silence any longer as she stared at the unfamiliar plant life in lush shades of vibrant green. “I feel like I’m in another world.”

“My sister and I grew up here.”

“Wow…how strange! I mean…”

“No, your description is fine,” he smiled at her reaction because at least she wasn’t scared.

“Are you ready to see your new living quarters?”

“Mmm…yes, I think so.”

Maxim led Oddily deep into the extraordinary forest until they came upon a sleek structure camouflaged by plant life. Oddily would have walked right on by if Maxim hadn’t pointed the building out. He guided Oddily to the front entrance, but she jumped back when the door automatically opened.

“There’s nothing to be afraid of,” Maxim tried to set her mind at rest.

Oddily went ahead and stepped inside, but abruptly stopped when an electronic contraption glided up to them.

“Greetings, master.”

“Hello, Sweeper.”

As soon as Sweeper began to scan Oddily, the robotic thing-a-ma-jig started to go haywire. “Intruder…intruder…!”

Oddily ran back outside, and then turned to watch Maxim open up a panel at the base of the robot’s head. After the warning mode had been deactivated, Sweeper glided over to her again. “Welcome Oddily.”

When Maxim caught a glimpse of fear in Oddily’s eyes, he was at her side before she could blink. “Sweeper, you are excused.”

“Yes, Master.” The robot that reminded Oddily of a talking vacuum glided off into another part of the structure.

Maxim wrapped his arm around Oddily and kissed her on top of the head. “Come inside and I’ll show you around, okay?”

Despite Oddily’s reservations about Sweeper, she allowed Maxim to guide her back inside. She clung to his arm while he guided her from room to room and, when Sweeper hadn’t returned, she began to relax—her focus now on her surroundings.

Other than enormous windows overlooking the lush landscape, soft lighting embedded in the walls, and surveillance cameras, the rooms were sparse with only a few well-placed pieces of modern furniture. Upstairs in Maxim’s bedroom, the environment was no different. It was spacious and empty except for his bed in the middle of the room.

Maxim started to laugh. He couldn’t help himself when he saw Oddily’s face. “If I understand your reaction correctly, you’re not pleased with my home.”

“No…well…it’s different, that’s all.”

“You hate it!” He continued to express his amusement.

Despite the uncertainty surging through him over the mysterious intruder, Maxim needed to set his concerns aside for now so he could work on making Oddily feel at home. He drew upon a playful mood and picked her up, threatening to toss her onto the bed.

Wait—we’re too far away!”

After Oddily’s body flew through the air and bounced on the bed, she began to giggle. “Well, at least I like your bed.”

Maxim flopped down next to her and asked, “What do you like about it?”

“I love how my body sinks into the mattress.”

“I’m glad because this is where you will sleep.”

“What about you?” Oddily’s eyes widened.

“I’ll stay here with you.”

Oddily scooted off the bed and headed over to the large window, staring out at the landscape. She didn’t know how to respond to this new turn of events. Did he plan to sleep in the same bed with her? She was feeling uncomfortable with the idea when all of a sudden the sound of music filled the air.

“Hey, I love this song.” She turned to Maxim, but he had slipped into the other room. Then, she heard the faint sound of rain and she followed the splashing noise until she stopped at the edge of the bathroom. Inside a humungous shower, Maxim was dancing in his clothes while water drizzled down on him.

“Join me.” Maxim playfully reached for her. After her display of shyness over the sleeping arrangements, he realized she needed more time to adjust to the idea.

Oddily stepped into the shower and began to pirouette round and round like a child while Maxim viewed her playful motions with delight. He gazed at her face with that faraway expression…at her large, dreamy, hazel eyes…at her milky skin dappled with little golden freckles, and at her delicately arched eyebrows, giving her a demure, questioning look. For him, Oddily remained a curious mystery; but in time, his plans were to understand her completely.

Oddily became dizzy and stumbled, but Maxim grabbed her and braced her body against his own. She laughed and sputtered as the water pelted down on her, but she didn’t care. She was in Maxim’s arms.

Maxim began to hum to the music while the two of them swayed back and forth…connected. His desire for her had grown deeper, especially after his body had reached full maturity by the blood of his father. Now with his new powers unleashed, he wasn’t sure if he could control himself.

I’m home!

When Maxim heard his sister’s voice, he welcomed the intrusion.

Are there any signs of the girl, yet?

No…but I did run into father.

Maxim’s body stiffened.
Where is he?

He’s gone now.

Where did he go?

Maxim, he didn’t want you to know that he was here. I don’t think he was too happy over seeing me either, which reminds me—he said you two met recently. Is this true?

Maxim glanced at Oddily. She was staring up at him, so he smiled reassuringly, and gave her a wink.
You have caught me at a bad time, sis.

I understand, but father is up to something.

I know, and I plan to confront him.

Why don’t you two come down and join me in the kitchen. I’m preparing dinner.

You’re cooking for us?!

All right—I brought home restaurant food. I thought maybe Oddily would be hungry.

I hadn’t thought about that.

Someone has to.

Maxim responded to his sister’s pun by blocking her from his mind, and turned off the shower. He grabbed a towel and wrapped it around Oddily’s shoulders. “Let’s dry off so we can go downstairs and get something to eat.”

5

After dinner, Maxim had strolled into the bedroom to check on Oddily. She seemed so frail curled up in the center of the bed with her homework spread out around her.

“Did you enjoy your meal tonight?”

Oddily looked up with a smile while gathering up her papers. “I did, but I think I ate too fast because my stomach hurts now.”

When Oddily scooted over to make room for Maxim, he laid down and rested his head on her lap. He gave a contented sigh and closed his eyes, letting the tension of the day seep out of him. “Ahhh, this is relaxing!”

After shoving her notebook off to the side, Oddily sat in silence while playing with Maxim’s hair. She realized that his attraction towards her still felt awkward, especially when he was handsome enough to be with whomever he wanted. Would he continue to want her in his life after a few months, or even a year? Only time would tell.

Suddenly, Maxim’s eyes opened. “What was that strange noise?”

Oddily blushed. “I’m sorry…I should have excused myself.”

Maxim stared up at her. “Excuse yourself from what?”

“Umm…I burped.”

“What an interesting sound. Can you do it again?”

“No!” She playfully covered his mouth with her hand. “You’re being silly with me.”

For a moment, Maxim was perplexed by Oddily’s response. Evidently, the noise she had made was common in her world. He desired further detail on the subject, but decided to cover up his ignorance by laughing along with her.

Maxim sat up and climbed off the bed, removing his shirt while he headed for the bathroom. He glanced over his shoulder, and smiled when he caught Oddily pulling a blanket up under her chin. “You may as well get comfortable with viewing my body, because I belong to you now.”

Oddily’s heart quickened alarmingly. Did he say what she thought he said? And if so, did he expect to gawk at her body as well? She gulped down her uneasiness after he returned still wearing his pants. Could she muster up enough courage to question him about his intentions? No. Just the thought of asking was embarrassing, not to mention stupid.

“Do you want to have sex…I mean…?” Oddily bit her lip when she saw Maxim grin at her.